Dental Emergencies

Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part). Never touch the root.

If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline. Do NOT scrub, scrape, or use soap or tap water.

Try to place the tooth back into the socket immediately. Bite down gently on a clean cloth to hold it in place.

If you cannot reinsert it, place the tooth in a container of cold milk, saline, or saliva (between your cheek and gum). Do NOT let the tooth dry out.

Get to our office or an emergency room within 30 minutes — time is critical for saving the tooth.

For a baby tooth that is knocked out, do NOT reinsert it. Bring the tooth and child to the office.

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water (½ teaspoon in 8 oz water) to clean the area.

Gently floss around the affected tooth to remove any trapped food or debris that might be causing pressure.

Take over-the-counter ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) as directed on the label for pain and inflammation. Avoid aspirin directly on the gums — it can burn tissue.

Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek (20 minutes on, 20 off) if swelling is present.

Do NOT place heat on the area, as it can worsen infection-related swelling.

Call our office as soon as possible to schedule an evaluation.

Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area.

If you can find the broken piece, save it in milk or water and bring it to your appointment.

Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.

If the break has a sharp edge cutting your tongue or cheek, cover it with dental wax, sugarless gum, or a small piece of gauze.

Avoid chewing on the affected side and stick to soft foods.

Take ibuprofen as needed for pain relief.

Call our office promptly — a cracked tooth can worsen quickly if untreated.

If a crown comes off, try to slip it back over the tooth as a temporary measure. Use a small dab of denture adhesive, toothpaste, or over-the-counter dental cement to hold it.

If you cannot reattach the crown, keep it safe and bring it to your appointment.

For a lost filling, you can place a piece of sugarless gum or over-the-counter temporary filling material (available at pharmacies) into the cavity to protect it.

Avoid chewing on the affected side.

Avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks, as the exposed tooth may be sensitive.

Call our office to schedule a repair — the tooth is vulnerable to further damage or decay without its restoration.

A dental abscess is a serious infection. Do not ignore facial swelling — call our office immediately or go to the emergency room if after hours.

Rinse your mouth with mild salt water several times a day to draw the infection toward the surface and reduce discomfort.

Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. Ibuprofen is preferred for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Do NOT apply heat to the swollen area, as it can worsen the infection.

Do NOT attempt to pop or drain the abscess yourself.

Stay hydrated and rest. If prescribed antibiotics, take the full course as directed.

Gently clean the area with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.

Apply firm, gentle pressure with clean gauze or a cloth to stop the bleeding.

For tongue injuries, try to gently pull the tongue forward and apply pressure to the wound with gauze.

A small amount of bleeding is normal and should subside within 15–20 minutes with pressure.

Avoid spicy, acidic, or very hot foods until the area heals.

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with discomfort.

Try to gently remove the object with dental floss. Guide the floss carefully to avoid cutting your gums.

Try a dental pick or interdental brush if floss doesn't work.

Do NOT use sharp or pointed instruments (pins, needles, knives) to try to remove the object — you risk damaging your gums or teeth.

Rinse with warm water to help dislodge the object.

If you cannot remove it, call our office. Leaving it can cause pain, swelling, and damage to surrounding teeth.

This is a medical emergency. Go to the emergency room immediately or call 911.

Do NOT attempt to move or realign your jaw.

Stabilize the jaw by gently wrapping a bandage, scarf, or towel under the chin and over the top of the head to prevent further movement.

Apply a cold compress to the outside of the face to reduce swelling.

If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze.

Do not eat or drink anything — surgery may be required.

If a tooth has been pushed inward, outward, or sideways but is still attached, do not try to force it back into position.

You may very gently try to reposition the tooth to its normal alignment using light finger pressure, but stop if it causes significant pain.

Bite down on a soft cloth or moistened tea bag to help stabilize the tooth.

Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth to reduce swelling.

Eat only soft foods and avoid biting on the affected tooth.

Call our office immediately — splinting may be needed to stabilize the tooth during healing.